George Mason University

Mason Topics

This program brings together freshmen and sophomore students in a coordinated series of popular general education courses linked by a common topic. Students can fulfill their remaining general education requirements as they like. Mason Topics students take two linked classes each semester for their first four semesters and work with a cohort of students and faculty. Those seeking even greater community can choose to live on special living/learning floors in the residence halls. Mason Topics promotes flexibile schedules and small classes of friends and learning that goes beyond the classroom. See their website to learn more.

New Century College, First-Year

Students interested in combining classroom knowledge with the workplace might consider this program, which satisfies many general education requirements. Students meet faculty from many different disciplines and pursue a curriculum of four distinctive, sequential courses. The format is intensitve (four hours a day, four days a week). Students are challenged by new ways of thinking in collaborative and experiential learning environments. New Century College also offers a four-year curriculum in integrative studies, so students may continue in NCC beyond the first year. See their website to learn more.

Honors Program in General Education

Exceptional students may be invited to enroll in the Honors Program in General Education. This is a separate, two-year, interdisciplinary curriculum, which satisfies most general education requirements. The program is open to students from all undergraduate schools and colleges. Honors classes are taught by some of George Mason's best faculty and are smaller than many other general education courses, providing a heightened sense of community among students and faculty. Honors students have the option of living in special living/learning floors in the residence halls. This option is for high academic achievers who want to continue to be challenged in college. See their website to learn more.

Personal Path

Undergraduates who want maximum flexibility in scheduling their courses can create their own paths through general education. Working with an academic advisor, students can choose from a wide variety of course offerings in more than 30 different disciplines. Courses meet in the daytime or in the evenings, a plus for those who are balancing many commitments. This option is for those who want to take courses of their choosing to fulfill their general education requirements.